Robin Williams, who was found dead on Monday, the victim of an apparent suicide, was suffering with the early stages of Parkinson’s disease, according to the actor’s wife. Susan Schneider confirmed the news in a statement she released on Thursday, according to Yahoo News on Aug. 15.

Williams was found in a bedroom of the California home he shared with his wife by his personal assistant on Monday just before noon. The apparent suicide sparked rumors that Williams had lapsed back into his addiction with drugs which he had so bravely fought for decades. Schneider cleared the air on the subject with her statement.

"It is our hope in the wake of Robin's tragic passing, that others will find the strength to seek the care and support they need to treat whatever battles they are facing so they may feel less afraid," she said.

"Robin's sobriety was intact and he was brave as he struggled with his own battles of depression, anxiety as well as early stages of Parkinson's disease, which he was not yet ready to share publicly."

The fact that Williams was found hanging from a belt led the Marin County Coroner to label the death as a suspected suicide. The results of a toxicology report are pending. A final determination will be made when those results are available in a few weeks.

"Robin spent so much of his life helping others," Schneider said. "Whether he was entertaining millions on stage, film or television, our troops on the frontlines or comforting a sick child -- Robin wanted us to laugh and to feel less afraid.

"His greatest legacy, besides his three children, is the joy and happiness he offered to others, particularly to those fighting personal battles," she added.

Others who knew and worked with the beloved comedian and actor have been devastated by the news. Actor Pierce Brosnan, who worked with Williams on the movie "Mrs. Doubtfire," expressed his grief over the loss.

"It really has cut deep into our hearts that he is gone and that he suffered in such pain, and said, 'enough, enough,'" the Irish actor said at a movie premiere in Hollywood on Wednesday.

Some fans may know that Williams was also avid gamer. He even named his daughter after Nintendo's “The Legend of Zelda”. "World of Warcraft" has stated he will be honored by them in the popular role-playing video game.

"We haven't decided, but it will most likely be a character inspired by him or some of his favorite roles of the past," said lead game designer Ion Hazzikostas. Blizzard Entertainment, the company behind the game, confirmed the intention on its Twitter account, saying, “Thank you. You gave us so much joy in our lives, and we hope you enjoyed your time in our world. We’ll see you in-game.”